Cognitive enhancing effects in young and old rats of pBC(264), a selectiveCCKB receptor agonist

Rationale: The implication of CCKB receptors in cognitive processes is far from fully understood. Objective: The present study investigated the effect of propionyl-BC264, a selective agonist of CCKB receptors, in young and ol d rats. Methods: Cognitive functions were studied in a two-trial recognitio n memory task developed in our laboratory. Results: It was shown that propi onyl-BC264 enhanced information processing in young as well as in old rats when injected (10 mu g/kg; IF) immediately after the acquisition phase and before the retrieval trial but not before the acquisition trial. This cogni tive enhancing effect was blocked by prior administration of L 365,260, a s elective CCKB receptor antagonist. Conclusions: In view of the fact that BC 264 is devoid of anxiogenic effects, it could be of value in the treatment of cognitive impairments associated with both normal and pathological agein g.